Commentary from Senator Sakamoto

October 30, 2007

Superferry Statement

The Senate voted 20 to 5 to pass a bill that allows Hawaii Superferry to resume service while the state conducts an environmental review. The legislation would also set specific operation conditions to help address and mitigate some of the concerns raised regarding the new ferry service. I voted in favor of this compromise legislation to allow commencement operation of the ferry. In light of concerns raised I voted "yes with reservations".

Concerns were raised regarding the need to come back into special session to save this project as well as resistance by the Administration and Superferry officials for a legally required environmental review process.

Acknowledging these and other concerns, we move forward with this issue.  We have appreciated your feedback and comments throughout this process.

October 10, 2007

The issues surrounding the Superferry are contentious and complex.  There is definitely an urgent need to seek some sort of resolution.  

A special session can make sense if operators of the ferry, the State administration, and legislators work together to resolve several key issues and bring this situation to closure pending the full environmental assessment (EA) required by the courts.  

The interim agreement should address mitigation of traffic, parking, monitoring of vehicles for alien/invasive species or illegal activity, and specific ways to address other impacts caused by the Superferry operations that have been identified in the numerous venues.